Jan 13 Omega 2538.20 “Great White” Seamaster GMT - Review

The Omega 2538.20 is a very special watch out of the Swiss Maker’s lineup and part of a lineage of watches that is special to myself. My very first fine-swiss watch was an Omega 2254.50, essentially the black dialed version of the same watch. This is like that watch’s ultra cool, but kinda weird older brother that went to art school. But before we get too far into this review let’s go over some specs:

Case: 41mm

Lug to Lug: 47.6mm

Case Thickness: 14mm

Bracelet: 20mm solid link bracelet

Movement: Omega Cal 1128 (based on the ETA 2892)

Weight: 6oz on bracelet

Fit:

One of the things I’ve been discovering about my preferences in watches is simple that I like watches that ride close to the wrist. Tall watch cases invite damage. The Great White is a very svelte 14mm tall. It sits low, and tight to the wrist. All the edges of the case are rounded and chamfered for an even better feeling watch against your skin.

Movement:

One of the things that I always liked about the Seamaster GMT that I had originally was the bulletproof movement in it. They are certified chronometers, and damn did it keep time. When I ultimately sold my original Seamaster GMT, it went on to a friend of mine, who also commented on how well it kept time. The 1128 is also a true GMT, something I REALLY like in a watch. I’ve heard of this style of movement called a “flying,” GMT meaning that the quickset hour hand allows you to quickly change the time when you get off a plane in a new timezone, leaving the 24hr time set to your home timezone. The added feature over say an Explorer II is the rotating bezel, allowing you to change the 24hr time keeping with a simple turn of the bezel.

Dial, Bezel, and Crystal:

So, the dial is amazing. I have, and will always, love the wave dial Omega puts into these SMP’s. It just takes an already attractive watch and kicks it up like 30 notches. The coolest thing about that too, is that it’s a subtle stylized touch that doesn’t become apparent till you take some time and consider the piece. A casual glance on the street will definitely show that it’s an Omega, and it’s nice… but it won’t be until someone asks you about it that it will really knock their socks off. Anyway… The dial is super readable, Omega has always really done indices super well. This particular run of Omega Seamaster Professionals have enormous mounds of lume at the hour marks outlined by a thin black line, as well as very visible black minute ticks. The handset in the 2538’s are Omega’s “Sword Hands,” these are my favorites when compared to the skeletonize hands coming from similar generations of the Seamasters. The second hand is tipped in red, that matches the GMT hand, and the GMT mark on the dial. All in all, it’s a super classy looking dial, that doubles as a very legible time piece. Lastly the bezel, is a 120-click GMT bezel, like I stated before this would allow you to quickly adjust the time zone the 24-hr hand is set to if you wanted to keep the local time set a different way. The crystal is super simple, it’s a very nicely AR-ed domed crystal. It’s easy to talk about because it appears as though it’s not there at all. It’s done exceptionally well.

Strap/Bracelet:

The bracelet on the 2538 is a brushed solid link, vaguely oyster style bracelet from Omega (it’s the 1610 style bracelet). As you would expect from Omega it’s comfortable with nice drape, the clasp is a push button fold-over style clasp with a diving extension. The whole bacelet has a nicely brushed finish that will take wear very well. At 20mm, this bracelet gives the Great White an impressive wrist presence that would you expect from such a piece.

Wrap Up:

To wrap this review up, the biggest thing I’d say is: If you’re looking for a quirky version of an Omega Classic, look no further. The white dial on the 2538 really, really sets it apart from other watches in Omega’s line. The movement is proven, and the bracelet is quality. The nice thing about a GMT diver like this is that it is a very versatile watch to wear. It would travel well, dive well, and it looks amazing. If you’re interested in purchasing this particular watch, it’s available from Azton Jewelers (as of the writing of this article), or you can message Alfred FNFZ4 on any of the major watch forums.